Okinawa Island Tour: Shuri Castle, Garden & Kokusai Dori

Control the pace and stops on your own private Okinawa day.

A private full-day tour of Okinawa for your group alone, with a Japanese-speaking guide, private transport and entrance fees to Shuri Castle, Shikinaen Garden and Kokusai Dori included. The itinerary is fully customizable to match your available time, interests and pace. Guaranteed on-time return to port for cruise ship guests.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Okinawa's culture and landmarks

• Visit Shurijo Castle
• Stroll through Shikinaen Garden
• Explore Kokusai Dori street

The experience

What does a private tour let you do that a group one doesn't? Set the rhythm. You move through Shuri Castle (the royal seat of the Ryukyu Kingdom for over 450 years) at your own speed, with a guide who answers your questions instead of moving twelve other people along. The same applies to Shikinaen Garden, a UNESCO site where the royal family once retreated. You can linger at the pond, the bamboo groves and the stone pathways without waiting for anyone else. Private transport means you leave when you're ready and stop where you want, whether that's an extra shop on Kokusai Dori or a restaurant your guide recommends.

Kokusai Dori stretches over 1.5 kilometers through Naha's center, lined with souvenir shops selling shisa lions and Okinawan pottery, and food stalls serving goya champuru, Okinawa soba and sweet potato treats. Your guide steers you toward local crafts and hidden gems instead of the tourist traps, and explains the street's blend of Chinese, Japanese, American and native Ryukyu influences. The guide speaks English, so you're not decoding menus or signs alone.

Entrance fees to all three attractions are included, as is private transport with pickup and drop-off within Okinawa, including the port if you're arriving by ship. The tour runs 6 to 9 hours depending on what you want to see and how long you want to stay at each stop. You choose the group size when you book (1 to 5 travelers, 6 to 8, or 9 to 18), and the itinerary adjusts to match your available time and interests.

What’s included

• Japanese-speaking guide.
• private transport with pickup and drop-off within Okinawa, including the port.
• entrance fees to Shuri Castle, Shikinaen Garden and Kokusai Dori.

Options for this experience

4 options

Tour with a guide, privateUp to 15 per booking · Guide in English · 21 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 12:00Optional private transport: transportation is not included, but we can arrange private transportation for your group, with payment made directly to the driver

Private tour for 1 to 5 travelersUp to 5 per booking · Guide in English · 21 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 12:00Toyota Alphard: this option provides private transportation, with our company handling all transportation logistics from pickup to drop-off. For 1 to 5 travelers, the Toyota Alphard van can comfortably seat up to 5 travelers plus your guide.

Private tour for 6 to 8 travelersUp to 8 per booking · Guide in English · 21 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 12:00Toyota HiAce: this option provides private transportation, with our company handling all transportation logistics from pickup to drop-off. For 6 to 8 travelers, the Toyota HiAce can comfortably seat up to 8 travelers plus your guide.

Private tour for 9 to 18 travelersUp to 4 per booking · Guide in English · 11 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 12:00Toyota Coaster: this option provides private transportation, with our company handling all transportation logistics from pickup to drop-off. For 9 to 18 travelers, the Toyota Coaster can comfortably seat up to 18 travelers plus your guide.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day21 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 12:00

Book up toStart time

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 5 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortInfant seats availableNot recommended during pregnancyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Japan Experiences and Tours Company

Is this one for you?Book this if you're arriving by cruise ship and need to return by a set time, or if your group wants to change plans mid-tour based on what interests you most.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I customize the itinerary to skip something or add extra time at one stop?

Yes. The itinerary is fully customizable to match your available time, interests and pace, so you can spend more time at Shuri Castle or Shikinaen Garden, or skip one entirely if you prefer to focus on Kokusai Dori and local food.

What is Shuri Castle and why does it matter?

Shuri Castle was the residence of the kings of the Ryukyu Kingdom and the center of politics, culture and diplomacy for over 450 years. It's now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the main symbol of Okinawa's royal history and cultural heritage.

Is this tour suitable for cruise ship passengers with limited time?

Yes. The tour is designed for cruise guests and guarantees on-time return to port. Private transport with pickup and drop-off at the port is included, and the itinerary can be compressed into a shorter window if your ship's schedule is tight.

What will I actually do at Shikinaen Garden?

Shikinaen Garden is a Japanese-style UNESCO site built in the 18th century as a royal retreat. You stroll through peaceful grounds with a large pond, bamboo groves, stone pathways and traditional Ryukyu-style buildings, and your guide points out the hidden details and royal history woven into the design.

What kind of food and shopping is on Kokusai Dori?

Kokusai Dori has souvenir shops selling local crafts like shisa lions and Okinawan pottery, and food stalls and restaurants serving traditional dishes such as goya champuru, Okinawa soba and sweet potato treats. Your guide can recommend the best spots for both.

Is private transportation really included, or do I pay extra?

Private transportation with pickup and drop-off within Okinawa is included when you select a transportation-inclusive option at checkout. A Japanese-licensed guide is included in all options.